Table of Contents

Does “Best Buy” Mean Expired? Demystifying Date Labels on Food

Absolutely not. The “Best Buy” date stamped on food products is not an expiration date. It’s a quality indicator, suggesting when the product will be at its peak flavor, texture, and overall quality as determined by the manufacturer. Consuming a product past its “Best Buy” date doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe, but it might not deliver the optimal sensory experience the manufacturer intended.

Understanding Date Labels: Beyond the “Best Buy”

Date labels on food are a source of significant confusion for consumers. The reality is, these labels aren’t always about safety; they’re often about quality. Understanding the nuances of each type of label can prevent unnecessary food waste and alleviate unwarranted health concerns.

“Best By” vs. “Use By” vs. “Sell By”

Let’s break down the most common types of date labels you’ll encounter:

“Best By” (or “Best If Used By”): As mentioned earlier, this is about quality, not safety. The food might not taste as good, the texture might be different, or the color might have faded after this date, but it’s generally safe to consume. Think of it like this: your favorite coffee beans might still make coffee a month after the “Best By” date, but the aroma and flavor might be noticeably weaker.
“Use By”: This label is more closely associated with safety, though not always a strict expiration date. It’s often found on highly perishable items like meat, poultry, and dairy products. Manufacturers use this date to indicate the period during which the product will maintain its peak quality and safety. After this date, the food might become unsafe to eat due to bacterial growth. Always follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions to ensure safety.
“Sell By”: This date is primarily for retailers. It informs them how long to display the product for sale. It’s not a safety date for consumers. You can still safely consume the product after the “Sell By” date, provided it has been stored properly. In fact, many retailers pull products from shelves after the “Sell By” date, even though they are still perfectly edible, which is a major contributor to food waste.

The Role of Manufacturers in Determining Date Labels

Food manufacturers decide which type of date label to use on their products. They conduct tests and analyze factors like:

Shelf life: How long will the product maintain acceptable quality under typical storage conditions?
Sensory attributes: How will the taste, texture, color, and aroma change over time?
Microbial growth: How likely are harmful bacteria to grow and make the product unsafe?
Packaging: How does the packaging affect the product’s shelf life and quality?

The “Best By” date is often based on sensory evaluations, while the “Use By” date is more likely to be based on microbial growth studies.

Storage Matters: Maximizing Shelf Life

Regardless of the date label, proper storage is crucial for ensuring food safety and maximizing shelf life. Here are some general guidelines:

Refrigerate perishable items promptly: Don’t leave meat, poultry, dairy, or seafood at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour if the temperature is above 90°F).
Store food at the correct temperature: Your refrigerator should be at 40°F or below, and your freezer should be at 0°F or below.
Use airtight containers: This helps prevent moisture and air from spoiling the food.
Rotate your stock: Use older items before newer ones.
Follow manufacturer’s storage instructions: Pay attention to any specific instructions on the packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Food Date Labels

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of food date labels:

Can I get sick from eating food past its “Best By” date? Usually not. While the quality might be compromised, it’s unlikely to make you sick if stored properly. Use your senses: if it looks, smells, or tastes off, err on the side of caution.
What about baby formula? Does the “Use By” date apply differently? Yes, baby formula is an exception. The “Use By” date on baby formula is about nutrient content and the formula’s ability to properly digest. Do not use formula past its “Use By” date.
How can I tell if food is actually spoiled, regardless of the date label? Trust your senses! Look for visible mold, unusual odors, changes in texture (e.g., slimy or sticky), or discoloration. If in doubt, throw it out.
Does freezing food extend its shelf life indefinitely? Freezing slows down microbial growth and enzymatic activity, but it doesn’t stop it completely. Frozen food will eventually degrade in quality over time, even if it remains safe to eat. Aim to use frozen food within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., several months for meats and produce).
Are date labels regulated by the government? Regulations vary. There’s no uniform federal law requiring date labels on all food products, except for infant formula. Some states have their own regulations. The USDA regulates dating for meat, poultry, and egg products.
What can I do to reduce food waste based on date labels? Plan your meals, shop smart (buy only what you need), store food properly, and use your senses to determine if food is still edible. Don’t automatically throw away food just because it’s past the “Best By” date.
Do “natural” or “organic” foods have different date label rules? No. The date label rules are the same, regardless of whether the food is conventionally produced, natural, or organic.
What about canned goods? How long do they last? Canned goods are generally shelf-stable for a long time. High-acid canned goods (like tomatoes and fruits) will generally be at best quality for 12-18 months, while low-acid canned goods (like vegetables and meats) will last 2-5 years. Look for bulging cans, dents, or rust, which can indicate spoilage.
Does cooking food kill bacteria and make it safe to eat after the “Use By” date? Cooking can kill many harmful bacteria, but it doesn’t eliminate all risks. Some toxins produced by bacteria are heat-resistant. It’s best to avoid consuming food that is clearly spoiled, even if you cook it thoroughly.
Are there any apps or websites that help me understand food date labels and reduce waste? Yes! Several apps and websites provide guidance on food storage and safety, including resources from the USDA, FDA, and various consumer advocacy groups. Search for terms like “food storage tips” or “food waste reduction.”
What is the difference between “Expiration Date” and “Use By” date? These terms are often used interchangeably, and are usually on more perishable items that have a safety aspect. However, neither necessarily means the food is unsafe. Always use your own judgement to make sure food is safe to eat.
Is it ethical for companies to use date labels primarily for marketing purposes? This is a complex issue. While date labels provide information to consumers, some argue that they contribute to food waste and create unnecessary demand for new products. There’s a growing movement to standardize date labels and make them more informative and less misleading.

Conclusion: Be Informed, Not Fearful

The world of food date labels can seem confusing, but understanding the difference between quality indicators and safety indicators is crucial. Don’t automatically discard food simply because it’s past the “Best By” date. Use your senses, store food properly, and plan your meals to minimize waste. By becoming a more informed consumer, you can save money, reduce food waste, and make more responsible choices about the food you eat.